Whether it’s your first or last year in college — or if you just plan on being a “super senior” for the next 10 years – having a dependable car is necessary. And while you might look cool in Jeep Wrangler with no doors or a C6 Corvette that was a hand-me-down from a family (no matter how much you try to tell people it isn’t), an economical choice like a Toyota Corolla will never fail you. Sure, it’s not as sexy as a Wrangler or a sports car, but it will get you to where you need to go every time. If you need more convincing, here are five reasons that a 2021 Toyota Corolla is ideal for college students.

Safety is one of the Toyota Corolla’s main attributes

It’s a crazy world out there, and you never know what can happen when you’re traveling from home to school or to work. Luckily, the 2021 Toyota Corolla has you covered with 10 different airbags and the Star Safety System, which includes vehicle stability control, traction control, and brake assist with smart stop technology.

If that’s not enough safety tech for you, then you can rest assured knowing that the trusty Corolla also comes standard with Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0, which is the company’s suite of driver-assist features that includes more advanced technologies like radar cruise control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and lane-tracing assist, which keeps you within the lanes for when you pull those unexpected all-nighters.

The Corolla is fuel efficient

The Toyota Corolla is available with a choice of three different four-cylinder engines: a 1.8-liter, a 2.0 liter, and a 1.8-liter hybrid powertrain. The 1.8-liter engine comes standard in the lower trim levels while stepping up to the highest XSE trim will give you the larger engine. The former produces 139 hp and is able to achieve up to 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. While the larger engine puts out 169 hp and is rated at 31 city and 38 highway mpg.

But if you’re really in the need of the most fuel-saving possible, then you can opt for the hybrid engine setup, which gets an EPA-rated at 53 mpg in the city and 52 mpg on the highway. Just don’t expect to get to your destination quickly as the hybrid setup only puts out 121 hp.

The Corolla is comfortable

Whether you’re looking to take a quick power nap in between classes or have the luxury of sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic when commuting, comfort is of the utmost importance. Luckily, the Corolla is available with automatic climate control, heated seats, and SoftTex-trimmed sport seats.

It’s affordable

If you’re going to school, then it’s safe to say that you’re probably not looking to spend too much on a new car as your funds are likely tied up with school costs like student loans, textbooks, and the necessary alcohol to go with it. Fortunately, the 2021 Corolla starts at just $19,825 for the base model L and it tops out at around $25,725 for the top-trim XSE. No matter how you do the math, that’s a pretty cost-effective set of wheels.

It has an awesome sound system

The Corolla comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s connected to six speakers and is compatible with Android Auto and Apple Carplay. But if you’re an audiophile, or just want to show off the latest EDM track that you made in your dorm room to everyone within a 10-foot radius of where you are driving, then we recommend stepping up to the premium JBL sound system with nine speakers and an 8-inch touchscreen. After all, nothing says “self-expression” like a ton of bass.

College bound

No matter where you are in your college career, it’s safe to say that having a reliable and efficient mode of transportation is important. Fortunately, the 2021 Toyota Corolla will be there for you in a pinch and the good news is that it will last just about as long as your student loans. Another plus is that your local Toyota might have better financing rates